Ethanol‑blended fuel, sugar and grains dominate policy debate, says Indian Express

The Indian Express published an editorial titled “On ethanol‑blended fuel, sugar and grains, the tail is wagging the dog”. The piece argues that recent policy moves in the fuel and agricultural sectors appear to be shaped more by specific industry pressures than by a balanced national strategy. It points out that the push for higher ethanol blending in petrol, while environmentally beneficial, is being leveraged to address surplus sugar and grain stocks, creating a perception of policy being used as a tool for short‑term market relief. The editorial cautions that such an approach could distort price signals, affect farmer incomes and undermine long‑term energy security goals. It calls for a more transparent, data‑driven framework that aligns fuel blending targets with genuine agricultural surplus management, rather than allowing a few stakeholders to set the agenda. The newspaper concludes that a coherent policy should serve the broader public interest, not just the immediate concerns of particular commodity groups.